Bsun Tomcat vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect both performance and overall typing experience. The Bsun Tomcat is a linear switch renowned for its smooth typing experience, featuring Ly stems that promote an effortless keystroke with a resonant sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer quick, uninterrupted keystrokes, especially in gaming scenarios where speed is crucial. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, designed to provide pronounced feedback without veering into overly tactile territory. With its invigorating, accented nature, the Viola Tricolor caters to those who appreciate a more traditional typing feel, delivering satisfaction with each keystroke. Both switches have their unique appeals—while the Tomcat is ideal for speed and smoothness, the Viola Tricolor focuses on tactile feedback and auditory pleasure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Bsun Tomcat Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$2.99 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Bsun Tomcat and the Haimu Viola Tricolor utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to a remarkably similar acoustic profile for both switches. The polycarbonate material is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, attributes that are a direct result of its relative stiffness compared to other plastics. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially in setups featuring RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant light diffusion. In this regard, users can expect comparable auditory experiences when pressing either switch, as the top housing significantly contributes to the sound produced during key release.

While the top housings of both the Tomcat and Viola Tricolor are identical in material, the bottom housings introduce a contrasting element to their overall sound profiles. Both switches favor nylon for their bottom housing, which is traditionally recognized for its capacity to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound energy than stiffer plastics, resulting in a muted and rounder tuning. Consequently, when typing on either switch, users will experience a pronounced difference in sound when they bottom out the key, attributable to the unique characteristics imparted by the nylon material in the bottom housing.

By combining polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, both the Tomcat and Viola Tricolor achieve a well-rounded sound profile that offers both clarity and depth. The polycarbonate top provides a clear and resonant sound on release, while the nylon bottom offers a deeper tone when keys bottom out. This duality allows for an engaging typing experience with each switch, with the materials synergizing to create a balanced audio output. As such, while the two switches feature the same materials for their respective components, their combined properties yield similar but also distinctive auditory results.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Tomcat boasts a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has an unspecified actuation force, but its bottom out force of 63.5 grams indicates a heavier overall resistance. Consequently, while the Tomcat provides a medium-light typing experience, the Viola Tricolor's characteristics align more with those who appreciate a firmer pushback, classifying it as medium-heavy. For users who prioritize a lighter touch, the Tomcat would be the better choice, whereas those who favor a more substantial feel during typing might lean towards the heavier Viola Tricolor.

Travel distance

The Bsun Tomcat linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Tomcat is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers appreciate for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor offers a deeper engagement with its longer travel distance, catering to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. Therefore, while both switches have relatively close distances, the Tomcat may be favored for fast-paced tasks, whereas the Viola Tricolor may appeal to those who value a more pronounced key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the Bsun Tomcat and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches, the Tomcat delivers a resonant sound profile. This suggests a unique acoustic quality that can provide a satisfying auditory experience during use. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor is noted for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, which may contribute an overall more bassy and low-pitched tone during key presses. The deeper sound associated with Viola Tricolor switches adds richness and personality to typing sessions, while Tomcat's resonant quality may be slightly less pronounced but still enjoyable.

In terms of tactile feel, the Tomcat switch is renowned for its super smooth typing experience, allowing users to glide effortlessly across the keyboard. The Viola Tricolor, however, offers a distinct tactile sensation due to its pronounced tactility, providing a satisfying feedback mechanism that is neither overly aggressive nor too subtle. The Viola Tricolor's invigorating feel delivers a snappy and reactive response, promoting an immersive experience that you may not find with the smoother nature of the Tomcat. The medium tactile qualities of the Viola Tricolor create a stimulating typing experience, standing in contrast to the linear smoothness of the Tomcat.

In summary, if you prefer a resonant sound with smooth action, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch would suit you well. If you favor a deeper, thuddy auditory experience alongside a pronounced tactile feedback, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch might be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize a smooth, linear experience or a more textured, tactile engagement paired with a unique sound profile. Both switches excel in their respective qualities, giving either option the potential to deliver an enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a smoother and quieter typing experience with less resistance, the Tomcat's medium-light actuation force and its resonance make it ideal for rapid typing or gaming, where precision and speed are paramount. Its Ly stems promise an incredibly smooth feel, ensuring each keypress is fluid and seamless, which can be a major advantage during extended typing sessions. Conversely, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a character-filled auditory moment with each keystroke, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is an excellent choice. With a firmer actuation force and a thuddy sound profile, it delivers an invigorating and satisfying typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate the nuances of tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and quietness with the Tomcat or a snappy, textured experience with the Viola Tricolor.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more